Basic Upgrade Suggestions For E91 Anyone?

Alxdim · 05-23-2017, 04:04 PM

Hi All,

What are the basic upgrades to start with for an E91? Engine, Brakes, Wheels?
Any suggestions? Especially for the engine.

Thanks

max_330i · 05-23-2017, 05:12 PM

Engine upgrades are usually not "basic," or at least not in my mind. What kind of engine upgrade do you think you would do?

Wagon owners should be able to guide you much better than I can, but I would probably start with new brake pads, new rotors, lightweight wheels with quality tires, and maybe coilovers or lowering springs. None of those are engine upgrades but all will massively improve what is already a sublime driving experience in the E9X platform cars.

Edit: depending how serious you are about modding, you could probably skip the suspension work by buying a sport-package equipped car.

ctuna · 05-23-2017, 07:08 PM

Get rid of the Run Flat tires.
Get light rims and normal tires.
There is a three stage intake mod with a tune
it will get you maybe 20 or 30 hp see engine subforum.
The sound system Upgrade?
If you got one of the rare manuals (third pedal)cdv valve delete
and Redline D4 for smoother shifts.
what year is it?

Bob Shiftright · 05-23-2017, 07:30 PM

I'd start at the $10 clutch stop mod and work backwards.

The Europarts like the mirrors are much cheaper (used) on Ebay now that the car is 10 years old.

Zajac1 · 05-23-2017, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Shiftright

I'd start at the $10 clutch stop mod and work backwards.

The Europarts like the mirrors are much cheaper (used) on Ebay now that the car is 10 years old.

What's clutch stop mod ?

Zajac1 · 05-23-2017, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Get rid of the Run Flat tires.
Get light rims and normal tires.
There is a three stage intake mod with a tune
it will get you maybe 20 or 30 hp see engine subforum.
The sound system Upgrade?
If you got one of the rare manuals (third pedal)cdv valve delete
and Redline D4 for smoother shifts.
what year is it?

Tell me more about that please

Alxdim · 05-23-2017, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Get rid of the Run Flat tires.
Get light rims and normal tires.
There is a three stage intake mod with a tune
it will get you maybe 20 or 30 hp see engine subforum.
The sound system Upgrade?
If you got one of the rare manuals (third pedal)cdv valve delete
and Redline D4 for smoother shifts.
what year is it?

Is that what you're talking about: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381371

ctuna · 05-23-2017, 10:44 PM

yep but look on the engine forum for more info

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=378

If you have and actual 6 speed clutch car the cdv clutch delay valve
is a restrict-or in the clutch line . Deleting it makes the clutch less
spongy . The bypass only costs 25 bucks its from ecs tuning.
Some people like myself have found the using redline D4 for the manual
tranmission fluid will actually smooth out the shifts especially in the
lower gears.

search for cdv valve delete
and redline D4 or D6 in the manual transmission.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=cdv

Bob Shiftright · 05-24-2017, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zajac1

What's clutch stop mod ?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/printthread.php?t=4778

http://www.e90post.com/forums/printthread.php?t=441155

http://www.e90post.com/forums/printthread.php?t=423172

BSM n54iS · 05-24-2017, 06:06 AM

That cdv delete did absolutely jack shit for me..

Getting rid of that stupid helper spring in the clutch pedal itself did absolute wonders, along with the clutch stop. After that I did the cdv delete and could not tell one shred of a difference. BMW techs thought I had upgraded the clutch just by removing that helper spring...totally worth it.

Zajac1 · 05-26-2017, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Shiftright

http://www.e90post.com/forums/printthread.php?t=4778

http://www.e90post.com/forums/printthread.php?t=441155

http://www.e90post.com/forums/printthread.php?t=423172

Ok. For a now I red few pages about clutch stop and all of the owners are recommended that product. I will follow them and purchase clutch stop from same vendor.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230519560074...WAX:IT&vxp=mtr

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=423172

I don't know nothing about CDV delete and I'm very curious how difficult installation might be and how d4 or d6 transmission fluid to change. Is it worth it to do that while OEM is lifetime ? For a now I will buy clutch stop and go from there

ctuna · 05-26-2017, 07:07 PM

Lifetime Fluids meant the car only lasts 100k
The advent of lifetime fluids coincided with free maintenance
do you think that is a random coincidence.

Google Mike Miller BMW download the old school maintenance
manual make your own decision.

Zajac1 · 06-09-2017, 07:48 PM

Yesterday I installed clutch stop and I need to say it's the cheapest mode I ever did on my car and very helpful. Now I got different driving experiences : )

Bluewater328iT · 06-10-2017, 04:29 PM

Put a three stage manifold from a 330 on your E91. That is the best mod I have done.

mad1stgen · 06-10-2017, 04:55 PM

N54 swap

Alxdim · 06-10-2017, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Get rid of the Run Flat tires.
Get light rims and normal tires.
There is a three stage intake mod with a tune
it will get you maybe 20 or 30 hp see engine subforum.
The sound system Upgrade?
If you got one of the rare manuals (third pedal)cdv valve delete
and Redline D4 for smoother shifts.
what year is it?

It's a 2009 AT. I've change the 16" rims for 193's and Michelin Pilot & tinted my windows since I bought the car 2 weeks ago. Now I'm going to investigate engine upgrade.

I think I'll start with Autowerk Software Tune first than AFE Air Intake and finally I' do the 3 stage Manifold.

Bluewater328iT · 06-30-2017, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alxdim

It's a 2009 AT. I've change the 16" rims for 193's and Michelin Pilot & tinted my windows since I bought the car 2 weeks ago. Now I'm going to investigate engine upgrade.

I think I'll start with Autowerk Software Tune first than AFE Air Intake and finally I' do the 3 stage Manifold.

I'd do the tune after the 3 stage manifold. It is required for that mod. Not sure a tune before installing it would be good enough to recognize the 3 stage manifold installed subsequently.

The AFE manifold has the highest hp & torque claims, but due to the build quality, it is a little tough to install, and it resonates annoyingly, in my opinion. On the other hand the Euro intake has a cone filter, which you can replace with a K&N, and is a drop in replacement for the stock airbox, and doesn't resonate as much as the AFE does. Any airbox change requires moving the MAF over, of course. Both AFE and Euro airboxes allow changing the filter without removing the entire airbox, like the stock one requires.

tlow98 · 06-30-2017, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alxdim

It's a 2009 AT. I've change the 16" rims for 193's and Michelin Pilot & tinted my windows since I bought the car 2 weeks ago. Now I'm going to investigate engine upgrade.

I think I'll start with Autowerk Software Tune first than AFE Air Intake and finally I' do the 3 stage Manifold.

The 3 stage plus tune and headers are the lowest hanging fruit, in that order.

Alxdim · 06-30-2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluewater328iT

I'd do the tune after the 3 stage manifold. It is required for that mod. Not sure a tune before installing it would be good enough to recognize the 3 stage manifold installed subsequently.

The AFE manifold has the highest hp & torque claims, but due to the build quality, it is a little tough to install, and it resonates annoyingly, in my opinion. On the other hand the Euro intake has a cone filter, which you can replace with a K&N, and is a drop in replacement for the stock airbox, and doesn't resonate as much as the AFE does. Any airbox change requires moving the MAF over, of course. Both AFE and Euro airboxes allow changing the filter without removing the entire airbox, like the stock one requires.

Actually this makes sense to do the tune after the stage 3 manifold swap

I'll look into the Euro & K&N also.

Bluewater328iT · 08-07-2017, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alxdim

Actually this makes sense to do the tune after the stage 3 manifold swap

I'll look into the Euro & K&N also.

There are two Euro intakes for sale on eBay now:

Used, $300, looks rough, screws may be missing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Euro-Air-Fil...1ZXIDJ&vxp=mtr

New, never used $450:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-BMW-...xZhV9C&vxp=mtr

ECS sells them for $529, sometimes they mark them down by 10% to 15%:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/13717552437/

Thorin · 08-09-2017, 11:58 AM

For the euro intake, the best option is to try ebay.co.uk; even after shipping and whatnot you are looking at a considerable discount.

Captain comic · 08-09-2017, 12:48 PM

OP forget about intakes - they don't add power, some even rob you for power. That's been discussed to death and still many noobs fall for it lol

Unfortunately, your 32slow can't be upgraded for reasonable money. Your only options are 3SI + tune - that will give you a 22hp on a good day if you are lucky on 93 gas lol
It will be barely noticeable, but of course many fanboys will swear and lick their snots how wonderful it is and that they have definitely gained more haha - hard to swallow that $600 for a tune and even more for 3SI was in vein lol

In short - enjoy your 328 as it is - don't waste money on engine upgrades - you'll achieve nothing and waste your little money you have left

Drive it and enjoy. When you get bored - just sell it and buy a proper engine car in the first place

05-23-2017, 04:04 PM	#1
Alxdim Private 15 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 2009 328i xDrive Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Basic Upgrade Suggestions For E91 Anyone? Hi All, What are the basic upgrades to start with for an E91? Engine, Brakes, Wheels? Any suggestions? Especially for the engine. Thanks
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05-23-2017, 05:12 PM	#2
max_330i Captain 340 Rep 922 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Engine upgrades are usually not "basic," or at least not in my mind. What kind of engine upgrade do you think you would do? Wagon owners should be able to guide you much better than I can, but I would probably start with new brake pads, new rotors, lightweight wheels with quality tires, and maybe coilovers or lowering springs. None of those are engine upgrades but all will massively improve what is already a sublime driving experience in the E9X platform cars. Edit: depending how serious you are about modding, you could probably skip the suspension work by buying a sport-package equipped car. __________________ 2006 330i 6MT Jet Black / Black
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2017, 07:08 PM	#3
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Get rid of the Run Flat tires. Get light rims and normal tires. There is a three stage intake mod with a tune it will get you maybe 20 or 30 hp see engine subforum. The sound system Upgrade? If you got one of the rare manuals (third pedal)cdv valve delete and Redline D4 for smoother shifts. what year is it?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2017, 07:30 PM	#4
Bob Shiftright Save The Manuals! 64 Rep 491 Posts Drives: E91 Schleppwagen Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: PRNJ iTrader: (0)	I'd start at the $10 clutch stop mod and work backwards. The Europarts like the mirrors are much cheaper (used) on Ebay now that the car is 10 years old. __________________ 2008 E91 36K, 6-speed, RWD, Alpine, Terra, Xenons, ZSP, ZCW, ZPP, PDC, CA, alarm, M shifter and M brake handle, Euro rear fog light switch, Euro aspheric mirrors, rear power outlets, Euro split armrest, Lidatek, remote V-1, Cocomats, beach sand, $10 clutch stop mod. 1998 Volvo V70T5 226K, 5-speed, original clutch (third clutch pedal!), aspheric driver's mirror, E-code headlights, IPD sway bar, strut tower brace & skidplate.
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05-23-2017, 10:44 PM	#8
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	yep but look on the engine forum for more info http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=378 If you have and actual 6 speed clutch car the cdv clutch delay valve is a restrict-or in the clutch line . Deleting it makes the clutch less spongy . The bypass only costs 25 bucks its from ecs tuning. Some people like myself have found the using redline D4 for the manual tranmission fluid will actually smooth out the shifts especially in the lower gears. search for cdv valve delete and redline D4 or D6 in the manual transmission. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=cdv Last edited by ctuna; 05-23-2017 at 10:50 PM..
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05-24-2017, 06:06 AM	#10
BSM n54iS Brigadier General 2685 Rep 4,202 Posts Drives: '11 335is \| '16 Macan Turbo Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Everywhere and Nowhere iTrader: (7)	That cdv delete did absolutely jack shit for me.. Getting rid of that stupid helper spring in the clutch pedal itself did absolute wonders, along with the clutch stop. After that I did the cdv delete and could not tell one shred of a difference. BMW techs thought I had upgraded the clutch just by removing that helper spring...totally worth it. __________________ '11 335is BSM MT "BMW Performance Editon" \| '16 Porsche Macan Turbo GruppeM CF Intake \| AR Resonated DP \| ER CP \| Turbosmart RacePort BOV \| Cobb FMIC \| RB Inlets \| RB External Mishi/Turner OCC \| Michelin PS4 \| BMW Performance Springs/Bilstein B8 + Dinan & M3 bits \| BMW Brembo BBK \| BMW Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW Performance CF Lip \| BMW Performance Alcantara \| PS Designs GTS Armrest \| AG H6-40 \| Rear Seat Delete
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05-26-2017, 07:07 PM	#12
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Lifetime Fluids meant the car only lasts 100k The advent of lifetime fluids coincided with free maintenance do you think that is a random coincidence. Google Mike Miller BMW download the old school maintenance manual make your own decision.
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06-09-2017, 07:48 PM	#13
Zajac1 Banned 260 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: 2011 E91 328i MT Join Date: May 2011 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (2)	Yesterday I installed clutch stop and I need to say it's the cheapest mode I ever did on my car and very helpful. Now I got different driving experiences : )
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06-10-2017, 04:29 PM	#14
Bluewater328iT Lieutenant 87 Rep 471 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328iT Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Rochelle, NY iTrader: (0)	Put a three stage manifold from a 330 on your E91. That is the best mod I have done. __________________ BMWCCA member since 1990 Mods: 330 intake, ECU reflash & tune, Magnaflow cat back resonator & muffler, BMW Euro airbox, tinted windows
	Appreciate 1 Sumptuous Hummus18.50 Quote

06-10-2017, 04:55 PM	#15
mad1stgen Master Wagon Builder 409 Rep 876 Posts Drives: 2015 F wagon S55/6MT Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Metro Detroit/Tampa Bay iTrader: (57)	N54 swap
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08-09-2017, 11:58 AM	#21
Thorin Second Lieutenant 118 Rep 272 Posts Drives: e91 6MT ZSP Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	For the euro intake, the best option is to try ebay.co.uk; even after shipping and whatnot you are looking at a considerable discount.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-09-2017, 12:48 PM	#22
Captain comic First Lieutenant 157 Rep 380 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: here iTrader: (0)	OP forget about intakes - they don't add power, some even rob you for power. That's been discussed to death and still many noobs fall for it lol Unfortunately, your 32slow can't be upgraded for reasonable money. Your only options are 3SI + tune - that will give you a 22hp on a good day if you are lucky on 93 gas lol It will be barely noticeable, but of course many fanboys will swear and lick their snots how wonderful it is and that they have definitely gained more haha - hard to swallow that $600 for a tune and even more for 3SI was in vein lol In short - enjoy your 328 as it is - don't waste money on engine upgrades - you'll achieve nothing and waste your little money you have left Drive it and enjoy. When you get bored - just sell it and buy a proper engine car in the first place
	Appreciate 0 Quote